Rim Country Music Man Has Much To Be Thankful For

In 1938, Bob Hope sang, “Thanks for the Memory,” in 1972, the Dramatics crooned “Thank You for Your Love” and in 1977, ABBA belted out, “Thank You for the Music.”

With Thanksgiving Day less than a week away, it’s that time of the year again for all of us to reflect on those things for which we are thankful.

For me, I am thankful that my wife, Ann, persevered through a long year of paperwork and is now with me in our incredible town of Payson. I am thankful for good health, good friends and a warm bed in which to sleep. And I am truly thankful, in this difficult economic time, for the busiest year of DJing I have ever had.

Thank you so much to all the wonderful people who have entrusted me with providing entertainment at their wedding, parties and fund-raising events.

Next Thursday, for the seventh consecutive year, the good folks at the Elks Lodge in Payson will be hosting the annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner, a meal that is shared by individuals and families from all walks of life and backgrounds.

Over 35 volunteers will help prepare and serve this holiday meal and 20 more will deliver meals to those who are homebound. Last year, approximately 500 meals were served.

Meal times are scheduled for noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets for this delicious Thanksgiving dinner can be picked up at The Elks Lodge, the Rim Country Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Payson Senior Center. All are invited, and although there is no cost for the meal, donations are greatly appreciated.

It has always been an honor for me to donate dinner music for such a heartfelt event.

Now, let’s turn our attention to this week’s “Thanksgiving” music trivia question. In 1967, Neil Diamond gave thanks in the title of his hit song, “Thank the Lord for …”

This week’s question is: Can you complete the title of Neil Diamond’s hit?

Is the title: “Thank the Lord for …” A) the Children, B) the Sun and the Moon, C) the Night Time, or D) the Pepperoni?

This week, if you’re caller number five and have the right answer, you’ll win a $25 gift certificate to Peggy’s Payson Place — a great little shop located at the entranceway of historic Main Street.

Last week’s trivia question was: Can you name the title of Taylor Swift’s brand new album, which sold more than 1 million copies in its debut week?

“Speak Softly Love,” sung by Al Martino, was the theme song from the 1972 movie, “The Godfather.” “I Let The Music Speak” was a 1981 song by the Swedish pop/dance group, ABBA, and “We Speak No Americano” is a current hit on the Billboard charts by the hip hop group Yolanda Be Cool and Dcup.

Congratulations to last week’s first-time music trivia winner, Becky Sopeland, who won Taylor Swift’s smokin’ hot new CD, “Speak Now.”

A little about Becky: After growing up and graduating from high school in Sedona, Becky attended Northern Arizona University, then transferred to ASU.

Through mutual friends, Becky met, fell in love with and married Mark. Shortly after their college days, Becky and Mark moved to Payson, where Becky spent many summer nights camping as a child. They have been married for 36 years and have four sons.

If you have done real estate business in the Rim Country in the last two-and-a-half decades, there is a good chance you know Becky. She has been a real estate broker for Coldwell Banker in Payson for the past 24 years. Mark is an area general contractor.

In her spare time, Becky enjoys hiking with the Payson Packers, traveling and camping. She volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and the Time Out Shelter. Her family is very active in the Expedition Church.

As for her taste in music, Becky told me, “I enjoy almost all types of music, from classic rock to country to folk.” Her favorite artists are Jackson Brown, Jack Johnson and Brad Paisley.

I hope to see you next Thursday at the Elks’ Community Thanksgiving Dinner.